Services

Preventive Dentistry

One of the easiest ways to prevent common dental ailments is patient education. Each member of our team is trained to teach proper home care techniques and provide nutrition tips designed to prevent future dental problems.

Our in-office exams, x-rays and regular professional cleanings will help us detect issues early and prevent tooth decay from causing significant damage.

Let us help you get the smile you've always wanted. Schedule an appointment today.

At Summit Dental Care, we follow all American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines, including:

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.

Replace your toothbrush if the bristles are frayed. Using a soft bristled toothbrush is recommended.

Use floss to reach those hard to reach areas between tooth. Flossing each day helps remove particles that damage your teeth.

As always, eat a balanced diet, and avoid sugary food and drinks.

Visit us often for exams and checkups.

Root Canal

A root canal is a specialized procedure in which the dentist can save a tooth that has been damaged at the root. No matter how damaged a tooth might be, our fantastic endodontic (root canal) procedures can help.

How it Works

Each tooth receives nutrients through a thin strand of pulp, which extends into the root of a tooth. If the strand is damaged, it might become infected. In the past, the only solution was pulling the tooth; however, we can now perform a root canal procedure to save the tooth.

This process will eliminate the strand of pulp and create a barrier to block off the affected root canal. A protective covering, a crown, will be placed upon the damaged area to prevent the tooth from breaking or incurring further damage.

In addition to same-day crowns, we also provide standard crowns, such as the PFM and Gold, are also available for individual circumstances and situations. Same day crowns are Summit Dental's standard of excellence, and we are proud to offer this service.

Each crown produced in our office is a computer designed porcelain cover or cap placed over a misshaped, fractured, weak or discolored tooth. Each crown has a natural look and feel designed to allow the function of a natural tooth.

Bridges and Implants

Bridges

When a tooth is lost, the space can be filled by the used of the bridge. Natural teeth next to the opening, have crowns placed on them, with an attached “false” tooth to fill the open space. This ultra-durable bridge does not hinder the patient in any way and allows a natural appearance for both the teeth and the patient's mouth, as missing teeth can often cause the mouth to sink in. The bridge allows for natural teeth to maintain their position, support cheeks and lips natural appearance, and the prevention of Temporal Mandibular Disorder (TMD) which is when a person chews on one side of the mouth to compensate for the missing tooth.

Implants

In addition to the bridge, a tooth implant may also be used to replace a missing tooth. An implant is made up of a crown that sits upon a small screw that is placed into the bone. This recent advance in dental technology has benefitted many, and after a brief consultation with our doctors might be an option for you.

Fillings

Fillings are used to replace decayed portions of teeth to prevent further decay. Fillings are placed using tooth colored resin. Many patients have concerns regarding the use of silver fillings, and because of that, Dr. Barfuss offers patients the most advanced new filling materials that contain no mercury products in them.

Extractions

Dr. Barfuss does extract teeth and does it quickly with minimal, if any, discomfort. Dr. Barfuss can perform wisdom teeth extractions as well. In some cases, however, if there is complex tooth anatomy, an involved health history, or if the patient prefers to be IV sedated or “completely out,” we will gladly refer to an oral surgeon to take care of your oral surgery needs.

We do offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help with any anxieties that one may have during this procedure.

After extractions, it is important to follow the post-procedure instructions provided by the oOffice to ensure proper healing without complications.

Removeable Prosthodontics or Dentures

For some patients, dentures are the preferred way to overcome years of issues with their oral health. Dentures simply are removable, replacement teeth. There are two kinds of removable dentures that our office provides – partial dentures and full dentures.

Removeable Partial Denture (RPD)

A removable partial denture is a good way to replace missing multiple teeth. It helps patients chew food properly and also offers support to lips and cheeks. An RPD usually is made of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base with a metal framework underneath. Partial dentures usually attach to natural teeth with clasps.

Full Dentures

A full denture is an ideal solution for patients who have lost all their teeth from various causes such as tooth decay, injury, or periodontal disease. Patients who proceed with dentures can chew food normally, see improvements in speech, and their natural appearance is restored.

Bone tissue and your natural gums provide all support for full dentures. Made of acrylic plastic, the base, or the structure of the denture has a coloration that mimics the natural gums. There are two bases, one for the top of the mouth, and one for the bottom. The bottom base is U-shaped allowing full movement of the tongue, and the top base covers the roof of the mouth (palate). Your natural saliva seals the denture in place, and your cheeks and tongue give added support to keep dentures in position. With options to permanently implant the denture, customizing the smile you want, has never been easier.

Cosmetic Dentistry

A person’s smile is priceless and cosmetic dentistry is a wonderful way to enhance the beauty of each patient. We offer a broad range of cosmetic dental services, including resin or tooth-colored fillings, all-ceramic veneers and crowns, tooth whitening, bonding, and enamel shaping. Braces are another form of cosmetic dentistry, we would send you to a specialist (Orthodontist) to correct things like crooked teeth, bite or occlusion, and decrease spaces between teeth. This type of dentistry can be life changing to a patient in many different ways. This can allow someone to smile again and build ones confidence.

Veneers

Porcelain veneers are similar to crowns because veneers “cap” a natural tooth with wafer-thin sheets of porcelain that are bonded onto the front side of teeth. A veneer changes the color and shape of teeth. They are excellent options for patients with teeth that are misaligned, worn, discolored or chipped. Veneers are also used to treat spaces between teeth. There is minimal tooth preparation involved. The results are completely natural looking and can create a stunning smile.

All-Ceramic Crowns

Summit Dental is proud to provide same-day CEREC crowns that are made of the highest quality aesthetic based porcelain that looks and performs just like a natural tooth. Gone are the days of crowns that are noticeable because of the metal margins, gold or silver used to create the crown.

Bleaching (Tooth Whitening)

If you have stained or discolored teeth due to years of damage, bleaching is a perfect solution to bring back that bright, white, sparkling smile. Molds are made by taking impressions of your teeth, which you can take home and use as you please. We also offer whitening solutions in-office to bring about more immediate results.

Bonding

Bonding is a process in which natural tooth-colored agents are bonded and applied to the surface of your teeth. It is a perfect solution if you spaces between teeth, stained, or damaged teeth, including cracked, chipped, or broken teeth.

Enamel Shaping

Enamel shaping is a quick and easy solution to improving the appearance of teeth, by modifying and reshaping the tooth’s enamel. Usually accompanied with bonding, this process yields immediate results.

Braces

Braces are an option for patients of all ages. Designed to straighten and align teeth, our doctors will be able to determine if you need to see an orthodontic specialist and will refer you if necessary.

Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal Therapy is a critical tool in providing years of optimal oral — and physical — health for many patients. Periodontal disease is a systemic infection that affects the tissues and bone that support teeth and gums. Severe periodontal disease, however, doesn’t stop at the mouth, but then also has an impact on a patient’s physical health. Recent studies have shown that periodontal disease is a contributing factor to stroke, heart disease, diabetes and pre-term low-weight births.

As the disease progresses and tissues are damaged, there is bone loss allowing the pockets around the teeth to measure depths greater than three millimeters; there is also bleeding. The more severe the disease, the greater the pocket depth and bone loss around these areas. This increased pocket depth provides an environment where harmful bacteria thrives while making it difficult to clean. If left untreated, a person can lose so much bone around the teeth that it can lead to tooth loss, while other less obvious health risks are advancing within the patient’s body.